[pra-stâra] masculine strewing, spreading out; abundance; litter, bed of straw; couch; layer; stair (leading down to water); flat surface; table of all the possible combinations in a metre: -paṅkti, feminine; also equal for combination-paṅkti, a metre (12+12+8+8 syllables); -stârin, adjective spreading out, extending to; -stâva, masculine pre liminary mention, allusion, propounding or introducing a topic; subject of conversation, topic; opportunity, occasion, season, proper time; beginning, commencement; introduc tion; -of a Sâman sung by the Prastotri priest: instrumental at any one's convenience; locative on a suitable occasion, opportunely, -tas, adverb, -ial, -ially in the course of (--˚); -stâvanâ, feminine; also equal for blazing abroad, through (instrumental); beginning, commencement; introduction, (dramatic) prologue (the scene between the benediction and beginning of the first act); -stâva-sadrisa, adjective suited to the occasion, seasonable, appropriate; -stâvita, causal perfect passive participle commenced, begun; referred to.
Source: Macdonell